Over a year in the making, I am pleased to announce that the book is finally ready for sale. This book began with a fundraising campaign to establish a budget of what I could spend for photography, editing, layout and design help and of course printing. I was able to produce a book of 72 pages with almost as many photographs and have printed 250 copies. Of that number I have sent out copies to all of the contributors and set aside copies for family and friends, leaving me with 150 to sell.

What's in the book? What's it all about?

Great Question. The book is made up of five essays covering a variety of themes, but its primary focus is to proclaim that potting has endured thus far and is likely to persist even into an unknowable future. My purpose in writing these essays is to counter the rather bleak outlook of academics and critics who suggest that pottery is over or somehow irrelevant in the twenty-first century. There is also an essay about clay itself and another about the curious history of face jugs in the Carolinas and North Georgia. There are several excellent black and white photo essays (photographed by the talented Naomi Johnson) covering my process of making, from mixing clay to turning large pots using a coil and throw method, and decorating and loading and firing the kiln. And of course there are color photographs (by Tim Barnwell) throughout which feature finished work.

Sounds wonderful, but where can I purchase a copy?

Another great question. Due to the realtively small number of copies, I will handle all the sales myself. They will of course be available at my Kiln Openings and at shows I attend, but I will also process orders for online customers. If you would like to purchase a copy, you can call me with a credit card and shipping address or send me a check in the mail. The book is reasonably priced at $25, and shipping and handling is $5, so for customers outside NC, the cost is $30.00. For NC customers I must charge tax, bringing the cost to $31.75.

For credit card sales call: (828) 683-2705If you reach my answering machine leave your phone number so I can call you back. Conduct business with my wife or me, but not my children (even though they sound very mature)

If you want to send a check made out to Jones Pottery along with the address where you would like the book sent, send it to: